Records

The Records Unit is responsible for responding to public records request for traffic crash reports, incident and arrest reports, and calls for service. The unit also is responsible for reviewing reports and reporting crime statistics to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for publication under the Uniform Crime Reports. The unit is also in the process of converting all records to electronic format, to expedite the retrieval of reports for our customers.

All records maintained by the Tallahassee Police Department are public record, as required in Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes.

Public Records Request

File a Public Record Request Online

Please select one of the two options below to file an online public records request.

Services

Calls for Service

Calls for service are when an officer is dispatched to a residence, business or location. The information concerning the call is logged, with all of the information provided by the caller, as well as any information on the call added by the dispatcher, the officer who handles the call, or another officer who assists with the call. Calls for service are considered public record. If you are requesting information regarding a call for service, we are able to search by a specific address and date, a business, or a location (Corner of 7th Avenue and Monroe Street).

Sealing or Expunging Records

The laws and rules which govern expunction or sealing of criminal history record(s) include: Sections s.943.0585,  s.943.059, Florida Statutes and Chapter 11C-7, Florida Administrative Code. The process is initiated through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. If approved, the court order is forwarded to the Tallahassee Police Department to complete the required processes for our department. Further information and the instructions and forms needed are available on the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Seal and Expunge Section.

Incident Reports

Incident reports are reports completed by TPD officers, when they respond to calls for service, and contain the summary of what occurred. All incident reports are considered public record. Each incident report is referenced by a case number, the last two digits of the year, followed by a dash, and a series of numbers (example 13-12345). If you know your case number, it will expedite the process of retrieving and printing the report. However, it is NOT necessary if there is other information that we can search by. It is possible that we cannot identify the proper report you are requesting if the information provided is not contained in the report. We will do our absolute best to assist you in searching for the report that you are looking for.

Exemptions to Information Provided in Public Record
There are certain portions of the record that are considered “exempt” from release to the public, either permanently, or in certain situations. When information is considered “exempt”, it is redacted (removed) from the report as required by Florida Statute, Chapter 119. Some common exemptions are Social Security Numbers, medical information, bank account information, sealed or expunged records, the identity of the victims in certain crimes, as well as others. These exemptions are considered permanent exemptions and will never be released.

Active Criminal Investigative and Intelligence Information
Information that is considered Active Criminal Investigation is considered exempt. However, there is information contained in the record that is not exempt:

• The time, date, location and nature of a reported crime
• The name, sex, age, and address of a person arrested (certain exceptions for juvenile arrests)
• The name, sex, age, and address of the victim of a crime, except for a victim of a sexual offense or of child abuse
• The time, date and location of the incident and of the arrest
• The crime charged

Due to the nature of criminal investigation information, it is imperative that the Records Unit carefully review the reports and take the required action so as not to release exempt information.

Background Checks

Our unit will assist you in conducting a local background check. This means we can search for information in our system where TPD was the agency that completed the report. Our Customer Service Specialists will provide you with a letter outlining what our records contain. There is a $5 charge for this service.

Any report that may have been initiated by the Sheriff’s Office will be contained in that agency’s records. Contact the Leon County Sheriff's Office.

Statewide Background Checks (Level 2)

A Level 2 Background screening generally refers to a state and national fingerprint based check and consideration of disqualifying offenses, and this level of screening applies to those employees designated by law as holding positions of responsibility or trust. Section 435.04, F.S., mandates Level 2 security background investigations be conducted on employees, defined as individuals required by law to be fingerprinted pursuant to Chapter 435, F.S.

TPD does not have the ability to process Level 2 Background checks. There are several private businesses in Tallahassee that provide this service.

More information on Level 2 background checks can be found on the FDLE website.

Public Records FAQ

What is a Public Record?

The Florida Public Records Chapter 119 is designed to give the public access to records in the possession of public agencies.

What is a Public Records Request?

A public records request is a request to either inspect or copy or both, public records pursuant to Chapter 119, Florida Statutes and Article I, Section 24 of the State Constitution. There is no requirement that the request be made in person or in writing, or be in any particular form. The person making the request is not required to identify himself/herself, or to provide information about the reason for the request or how the records will be used. The request must be clear enough to enable the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) to conduct a meaningful search. The TPD may ask questions about the request in order to respond to the request fully and in a timely manner. The TPD acknowledges that access to information is a fundamental and necessary right of every citizen of Tallahassee.

How can I request a Public Record?

Requests for public records may be submitted to one of the following:

TPD Records Custodian Contact Information

• Online
• Phone 850-891-4221
• Fax 850-891-4556
• In person (234 East 7th Avenue)
• Submitted by US Postal mail at the below address:
    Attention: Records
    Tallahassee Police Department
    234 East 7th Avenue
    Tallahassee, Florida 32303

Who can get Crash Reports?

• Prior to 60 Days After the Report is Filed:
  • The parties involved in the crash (drivers, passengers, etc.) If you are the owner of a vehicle involved in the traffic crash, and your name is not listed on the report, you will need to provide proof of ownership prior to receiving the report. This could be the title, registration, insurance card, and one form of identification.
    • Their legal representatives
    • Their Insurance Companies
  • Prosecutorial authorities
  • Victim Services Programs
  • Radio and TV Stations
  • Newspapers
  Your insurance company, legal representative, or a person under contract to provide claims or underwriting information to a qualifying insurance agent will need to complete a notarized Sworn Statement for Traffic Crash Report Information prior to receiving a copy of the Crash Report.


• 60 Days After the Report is Filed:
  The report is available to anyone

When will my report be available?
Crash reports are not available the same day as the crash occurred. The report will need to be submitted by the reporting officer and reviewed and approved by his or her supervisor prior to release.

Proper Identification: To protect the individuals involved in the accident, the Records Unit will require identification from anyone requesting a copy of a Crash Report prior to 60 days after the report is filed. If you are the owner of the vehicle, and that information has not been entered into the Crash Report, you will need to provide identification AND proof of ownership of the vehicle. This can be in the form of registration, title, or insurance card.

If you are requesting a copy of a crash report for an immediate relative, that person will need to give you permission to obtain the report. It can simply be a letter signed by that person authorizing you to obtain the report on their behalf, or an original copy of a notarized Sworn Statement for Traffic Crash Report Information.